Four Steps to Overcome Conflicting Work Styles

June 26, 2011

Robert Hosking

Here is an article written by Robert Hosking for Talent Management magazine. To check out all the resources and sign up for a free subscription to the TM and Chief Learning Officer magazines published by MedfiaTec, please click here.

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Many talent managers can boast of high-performers or A-players, but team collaboration and business success cannot occur if conflicting work styles are left to fester.

The typical office environment is a melting pot of work styles, but the ingredients may not always blend easily. Differing approaches to work can lead to friction, miscommunication and even conflict among colleagues or between a manager and employee.

The results are outlined in a research guide titled “Your Work Style in Color: A Colorful Approach to Working Relationships.”

Here are some guidelines for overcoming conflicting work styles and enhancing team collaboration.

1. Know Your Own Behaviors. Oftentimes, managers’ habits can frustrate employees, so being aware of how everyday behavior may affect others can help them make changes for the better.

For starters, managers can poll colleagues they respect to see their work style from another’s perspective. Questions include: What steps do I take that make it easy for people to work for me? In which areas could I improve? This exercise can provide valuable insight, even if what’s said makes them cringe.

2. Make Communication a Priority. It’s important for managers to let their employees know about their work style and preferences, and not just assume they’ll figure it out. A good starting place is to explain communication preferences, letting team members know how they’d prefer to receive information from them — be it via email, in person or over the phone — and how often. The reverse is also true because communication is a two-way street.

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The bottom line is that no one has the “best” approach to work, not even managers. Every person brings different assets to the table, and taking advantage of their complementary strengths is necessary for business success.

Robert Hosking is executive director of OfficeTeam, a staffing service specializing in the temporary placement of highly skilled office and administrative support professionals. He can be reached at editor@talentmgt.com.